The Future of warehousing.

The pace at which warehousing is changing continues to accelerate, particularly with the advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence), but also with factors including an evolving consumer landscape, demand for a differently skilled workforce and the imperative for sustainability.

The role of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) is not only to support members in navigating these changes, but to ensure that we secure government support for the sector as we meet the potential challenges ahead.

Looking to the future, we expect the design and functionality of warehouses will need to adapt in response to economic, technological, and environmental factors. One big change on the horizon, for example, is the coming requirement for all commercial buildings to achieve an EPC ‘C’ or above by 2028, with an ultimate deadline of an EPC rating of B or higher for 2030.

Renewable energy is another major concern for warehousing. The UK Government wants 70GW solar capacity by 2030 and has acknowledged that warehouse rooftops are currently an underexploited resource. UKWA is continuing to support members ready to undertake this journey, with expert advice on funding, the impact on your lease and a new solar toolkit for 2025.

Meanwhile, the consumer landscape continues to drive change in warehousing, with new demands and varying preferences that challenge traditional logistics models and require warehouses to become more efficient in managing inventory and supporting circular economies.

In 2025 only 10-15% of global warehouses use robots; but this is set to grow dramatically going forward. We are likely to see widespread retrofitting of robotic solutions such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to semi-automate existing manual operations and, as automation becomes more prevalent, increasingly warehouses will need to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to improve efficiency and safety, reduce labour costs and reshape the role of human labour.

Accordingly, at our National Conference this year, we focused on AI and digital platforms, considering how best to harness this transformational technology to enable warehouses to streamline operations and integrate complex systems, while improving transparency and security.

Much remains to be seen, but what is certain is that warehouses will need to be sophisticated, multi-functional spaces, built and operated sustainably, and with the flexibility to adapt to both immediate and long-term needs.

For a more detailed look at future trends, short and long-term, you can download our recently published White Paper, ‘The Warehouse of the Future: Predictions from 2025 to 2050’ free of charge from the UKWA website.

Alternatively, contact us today to secure all the support you need in navigating the changes ahead. From solar power and sustainability, AI and automation, to skills and training, find out what your UK warehousing trade association can do for you!The post The Future of warehousing. first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.